-3/5, -0.9, -1.9, -8/3
Of the number listed above, which number is the greatest?
A.
-3/5
B.
-0.9
C.
-1.9
D.
-8/3
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
To determine which of the given numbers is the greatest, we need to compare their values on the number line. The numbers listed are:
- -3/5
- -0.9
- -1.9
- -8/3
Step 1: Convert Fractions to Decimals
First, let’s convert the fractions to decimals for easier comparison:
- -3/5 is equal to -0.6 (because 3 divided by 5 equals 0.6).
- -8/3 is approximately equal to -2.67 (because 8 divided by 3 equals approximately 2.67).
Now, the list of numbers in decimal form is:
- -0.6
- -0.9
- -1.9
- -2.67
Step 2: Compare the Decimal Values
Next, we compare these numbers. When comparing negative numbers, the number with the smallest absolute value is the greatest (i.e., the least negative number is greater). This is because negative numbers become smaller as their magnitude increases.
- -0.6 is greater than -0.9, -1.9, and -2.67.
To further explain:
- -0.6 is closer to 0 on the number line than the other numbers, making it less negative and thus the greatest.
- -0.9 is greater than -1.9 and -2.67, but less than -0.6.
- -1.9 is less than -0.9 but greater than -2.67.
- -2.67 (or -8/3) is the smallest number because it is farthest from 0, making it the most negative.
Conclusion:
The greatest number in the list is -0.6, which corresponds to the fraction -3/5. Therefore, the correct answer is:
A. -3/5
This result makes sense because -0.6 is the closest to zero, and among negative numbers, the one closest to zero is always the greatest. Negative numbers further from zero are smaller. Thus, -3/5 is the largest number when compared to the others listed.